Our New Mascot, Lewie the Lion, Makes His Debut on King’s Day
We’re not the only ones celebrating King’s Day on April 27. Holland America Line is proud to introduce its loyal furry friend and mascot, Lewie! Donning his best orange tie and majestic mane, Lewie descends from a long line of Dutch lions living in Rotterdam, and he loves traveling by sea. In fact, he got a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of the festivities celebrating our 150th anniversary on April 18 in Rotterdam where he roared with excitement.
Recognizing lions have been a national symbol of strength and courage to the people of the Netherlands for generations, Lewie takes great pride in his lineage. Passionate about traveling the world aboard Holland America Line’s fleet, Lewie loves experiencing the rich cultures of the places he visits. He’s also a modern traveler who enjoys making new friends, both on ship and in the wild. Today, in honor of King’s Day, he’s hosting an Orange Party with the other lions in his pride, but you’ll see him late summer 2023 in gift shops (onboard only) across our fleet.
Please join us in giving Lewie two paws up as we prepare to welcome him aboard in the months ahead.
About King’s Day
Recognized as a holiday on April 27 in the Netherlands, King’s Day honors the birthday of the reigning Dutch monarch. The original holiday began on August 31, 1885, as Prinsessedag, or Princess’s Day, in honor of the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina. She was crowned as Queen in 1890 under the regency of her mother, Queen Emma, and the first Koninginnedag was celebrated in 1891 in the Netherlands. The date of the holiday then moved to recognize her daughter, Queen Juliana, when she assumed the throne in 1948. King’s Day took on its current name, Koningsdag, on April 27, 2014, after His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange-Nassau, ascended to the throne the previous year.
At Holland America Line, we take great joy in celebrating King’s Day each year, given our roots in the Netherlands and ties to its royal family. In fact, members of the Dutch Royal Family have launched 13 Holland America Line vessels — from Prince Hendrik naming Statendam III in 1929 to Princess Margriet christening Rotterdam in 2022. Most recently, Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha was joined by Princess Margriet for a 150th anniversary celebration at Hotel New York, home to Holland America Line’s original headquarters from 1901 to 1977.
From concerts to street parties, the people of the Netherlands host big, orange-accented celebrations in honor of the royal House of Orange-Nassau.
You’ll find that same spirit aboard all our ships at the Orange Party, where Holland America Line guests and crew don their best orange attire for a night of music, dancing and specialty cocktails. Every cruise year-round has an Orange Party inspired by King’s Day celebrations.
Proost (that’s “Cheers” in Dutch) to all our friends near and far this King’s Day, including our lion, Lewie. May today and every day bring you joy and adventure.
It would be nice if we could purchase these prior to sailing to be waiting in our rooms. It would be a great surprise for my group rather than a ship model.
I would to purchase lewie the lion I was recently on a cruise on the Nuiew Statamdon last week
Smart idea! Lewie is the plush HAL has needed. Couldn’t talk my grandkids into loving a plush ship!
Regarding this lovely little lion, please please I would love to purchase this for my Granddaughter Sophie